Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
